Being Fit And Prepared For Combat

Ephesians 6:10-11, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Is it possible for our faith to grow stronger during a time of waiting? Abraham’s did, as Paul stated in …

Buying Up Opportunities Like A Shrewd Business Person

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Put your name in Ephesians. 5:15-17, in the blanks: “_______________ look carefully then how you …

Specific Practical Action Steps Needed

Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” What does it mean for you to be an imitator of God? What does that look like to you? I have been asking myself that …

Hard Questions To Answer

Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” I think we all are weary and fed up with all of the perpetual fault-finding, arguing, and hatred …

Do Not Take This Gift For Granted

Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Paul has just talked about having control over our words coming out of our mouths (Ephe. 4:26-27). That they should be used to build others up in being helpful, and not be corrupt in …

Do Not! Don’t! Don’t! Don’t!

Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity  to the devil.” There seems to be so much hate and anger displayed all around us these days. The media, political scenarios, and conflict, perhaps even within families and our jobs, that is …

No Longer – The Old Way Has To Go

Ephesians 4:17-18, “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” The Gentiles, …

Quick At Mending Fences

Ephesians 4:1-2, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Paul is now launching into the practical aspects of our life in Christ (Ephesians 4-6) by …

When You Have Purple Clothes Too, But Feel That’s About It

Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Last week I felt that the only thing I had …